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1. Are mobile vending trucks/carts allowed in the City?

Yes, mobile street vending is allowed, although there are requirements regarding where vending trucks and carts (that sell arts/crafts, cut flowers or food/non-alcoholic beverages) can be located (see Santa Rosa City Code section 6-48.050, Street Vendor Regulations). Mobile vending trucks/carts located in the City right-of-way (not on private property) are required to move to a new location (at least 300 feet from the previous location) every 30 minutes. A business license is required to vend any product within the City limits.

Mobile food vending on private property is allowed with the approval of a Minor Conditional Use Permit, but only as an accessory or incidental use to a restaurant with indoor eating area on the same site (see Santa Rosa Zoning Code section 20-42.110.B., Outdoor Eating Areas)

2. What is the cost of a business license in the City versus in the County?

The City issues Business Tax Certificates, also known as a business license. Businesses whose gross receipts are under $25,000 annually usually pay $51 per year. There are additional taxes due for businesses with gross receipts over $25,000 per year but the maximum annual tax is $3,000.

The County does not have a business license program.

3. What type of home occupations are allowed in the City?

Businesses that are clearly secondary to the primary residential use, and will not change the residential character of the neighborhood, are allowed as a home occupation/business. The following uses and similar activities are prohibited as home occupations/businesses:
- Animal hospitals
- Automobile/vehicle repair shops
- Bee keeping
- Kennels, including pet day care
- Pet grooming shops
- Raising of animals for commercial purposes
- Weapons or ammunition sales
- Welding shops
- Woodworking or metal working shops

For additional information on home occupations/businesses see Santa Rosa Zoning Code Section 20-42.070.